Bicycle transmission actuation system

ABSTRACT

A bicycle including a frame with a fork, the fork having dropouts between which a wheel axle is mounted. The wheel axle includes a sensor and/or an electric component arranged to be connected to a control element. A detachable electric connection is provided between the sensor and/or electric component and the control element. The detachable electric connection is positioned between the wheel axle and the thru-axle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to: Netherlands Patent Application No,2021822, filed Oct. 16, 2018, the entire contents of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to bicycle transmission actuation systems. More ingeneral the invention relates to bicycle transmissions.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Bicycle transmission systems are known. Bicycle transmission system caninclude a gear shifting mechanism. The gear shifting can be discrete orcontinuously variable. In some varieties, a gear shifting mechanism isincluded in or attached to a driven axle of the bicycle. It is known toactuate gear shifting by electronically actuated actuators.Electronically actuated actuators can be cumbersome in that power supplyand/or signal supply needs to be extremely robust and stable to avoidmalfunction of the gear shifting mechanism. Yet in many applicationsweight and or space allowed for electronically actuated actuators and/orpower and/or signal supply is limited. In general supplying power and/orsignals to/from electric components included in or attached to a drivenaxle of a bicycle can be cumbersome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object to obviate, or at least diminish, one or more of thedisadvantages mentioned above.

Alternatively. or additionally, it is an object to provide a system fortransmitting power and/or signals to and/or from an electric component,such as an actuator, electric motor, sensor or the like, included in orattached to a wheel axle of a bicycle.

The electric component can e.g. enable gear shifting between a drivercomponent (such as a sprocket, cassette or pulley) and a hub of thewheel axle. Thereto the electric component may require electric powerfor gear shifting of a gear shifting system. The electric component mayalso require a signal for determining a gear shifting direction and/oramount. It is possible that the electric component transmits power or asignal outwardly of the wheel axle.

The wheel axle can be arranged to be detachably mounted to a frame ofthe bicycle. The bicycle can include a frame with one or two forks. Theframe can include a front fork for attachment of a front wheel and/or arear fork for attachment of a rear wheel. The fork(s) include dropouts.For attaching and/or exchanging the wheel a thru-axle (also referred toas through-axle) can be used which can be inserted through the frame (atleast one dropout) and through the wheel axle. Since the electriccomponent is included in or attached to the wheel axle, a detachableelectric coupling is desired between the electric component in or on thewheel axle and a control element and/or power supply element thatusually is placed on or in the frame or the handlebars of the bicycle.

This detachable electric coupling can be formed by an electrical wire orelectrical contact elements, such as magnetic contact elements ormechanical contact elements, or wireless or contactless connection. Thewireless or contactless connection can be a short range wirelessconnection.

According to an aspect is provided a wheel axle assembly, including awheel axle and a thru-axle arranged for positioning and/or holding thewheel axle between dropouts of a bicycle frame. The wheel axle includesa sensor and/or an electric component arranged to be connected to acontrol element. A detachable electric connection is provided betweenthe wheel axle and the thru-axle. The detachable electric connection caninclude electrical contact elements between the thru-axle and thewheel-axle. The electrical contact elements can include one or moreelectrical wires, magnetic contact elements, or mechanical contactelements. The electrical contact elements can e.g. include contactpatches spaced axially and/or radially along the thru-axle and aninternal surface of the wheel axle. The electrical contact elements caninclude plug-socket type elements. The electrical contact elements canbe biased into engagement e.g. by magnetic and/or spring force.Alternatively, the detachable electric connection can include a shortrange wireless connection.

According to an aspect is provided a bicycle including a frame with afork, the fork having dropouts between which a wheel axle is mounted,and a thru-axle arranged for positioning and/or holding the wheel axlebetween the dropouts. The wheel axle includes a sensor and/or anelectric component arranged to be connected to a control element. Adetachable electric connection is provided between the sensor and/orelectric component and the control element. The detachable electricconnection is positioned between the wheel axle and the thru-axle. Thedetachable electric connection can include an electrical contactconnection, having first electrical contacts mounted on the thru-axleand second electrical contacts mounted on the wheel-axle or componentsthereof. The electrical contact elements can include one or moreelectrical wires, magnetic contact elements, or mechanical contactelements. Alternatively, the detachable electric connection can includea short range wireless connection.

According to an aspect the control element can include an electronicand/or magnetic switch. The electronic and/or magnetic switch can bearranged to be manually operated by a rider, such as with a shifter orone or more shifters or buttons. For example if the rider presses oneshifter or two shifters at the same time the electrical component can beactuated. Thus, a familiar feel can be retained for the rider foroperating the switch. The electronic switch can includes one or moreinductive, capacitive, magnetic or optical sensors for determining theswitch position, the sensor or sensors can be arranged to discriminatetwo or more unique switch positions of the switch. The electronic and/ormagnetic switch can be arranged to be manually operated by the rider viaa cable, such as a Bowden cable, between the shifter or one or moreshift buttons and the switch. Thus familiar shifting mechanisms can beretained for the rider. The electronic and/or magnetic switch can bearranged to be manually operated by the rider via the cable between aFRONT/LEFT shifter or shift button and the switch.

Optionally, an electronic switch signal from the switch is wiredly sentto the thru-axle. The switch can be positioned in a housing on thehandle bars of the bicycle. Hence, a wired connection can be providedfrom the switch at the handle bars to the thru-axle. The switch can bepositioned, e.g. in a housing, in the handle bars or frame of thebicycle. The switch can be positioned in a housing attached to a cablesheath of controls of a hydraulic or mechanical brake and/or a, e.g.rear, derailleur.

Optionally, the switch is positioned in a housing on the handle bars ofthe bicycle and the Bowden cable is connected to a spring in thehousing. The spring can give feedback force to the shifter which isconnected to the other side of the Bowden cable.

Optionally, the switch is arranged to be actuated by a Bowden cable. TheBowden cable can be connected to a spring in a housing which springgives feedback to the shifter which is connected to the other side ofthe Bowden cable. A mechanism can be connected between the Bowden cableand the spring which transmits and/or amplifies the force of the spring.The mechanism can be arranged to convert a translation of the Bowdencable into a translation, such as a compression, of the spring.Alternatively, or additionally, the mechanism can be arranged to converta translation of the Bowden cable into a rotation, such a compression,of the spring, e.g. a torsion spring. The mechanism and/or the springcan be arranged to limit a translation of the Bowden cable. Thelimitation can adjustable, e.g. from the outside of the housing. TheBowden cable may extend through the housing and is accessible at an endthereof.

Optionally, the housing includes an indicator, in or on the housing, forindicating a battery status, and optionally a control for activating theindicator.

Optionally, an electronic switch signal from the switch is wirelesslysent to the thru-axle via a transmitter and a receiver. The switch and atransmitter for transmitting the signal can be positioned in a housingon the handle bars of the bicycle.

Optionally, the switch and the transmitter are positioned in a housingon the handle bars of the bicycle and the Bowden cable is connected to aspring in the housing. The spring can give feedback force to the shifterwhich is connected to the other side of the Bowden cable.

Optionally, an energy storage element is positioned in the housing. Theenergy storage element can power the transmitter in case of wirelesstransmission of the electronic switch signal from the switch to thethru-axle. The energy storage element can power the actuator in case ofwired connection from the switch via the thru-axle to the wheel axle.

Optionally, an actuator controller is positioned in the housing.

Optionally, an energy storage element is positioned in the thru-axle.The energy storage element can power the receiver in case of wirelesstransmission of the electronic switch signal from the switch to thethru-axle. The energy storage element can power the actuator in case ofwired or wireless connection from the thru-axle to the wheel axle.Optionally, the wheel axle is free from energy storage. It will beappreciated that exchanging or recharging an energy storage element ator in the wheel axle can be more cumbersome than exchanging orrecharging an energy storage element at the thru-axle, or at thehousing.

Optionally, the receiver is positioned in the thru-axle. The receivercan also be positioned on the frame, e.g. at or near a dropout. Thereceiver can also be partially positioned on the frame and partially inor on the thru-axle.

Optionally, the thru-axle includes an actuator controller arranged forcontrolling the electronic component on the wheel axle.

Optionally, a direct wireless coupling between the electric component inor on the wheel axle and a control element on the handlebars isprovided. This may be difficult to realize since in and around a wheelaxle generally a lot of metal is present that can disturb wirelesssignals.

According to an aspect electric power and/or information is provided tothe electric component in or attached to the wheel axle via a contact orcontactless electric coupling.

According to an aspect the thru-axle is used for providing the contactor contactless electric coupling between the electric component in orattached to the wheel axle and the power supply and/or control element.

Optionally, the thru-axle is provided with a first transmitter fortransmitting electric power and/or signals to the wheel axle. The wheelaxle can be provided with a first receiver for receiving electric powerand/or the signals from the first transmitter. Thereto the thru-axle canbe provided with a first coil as part of the first transmitter and thewheel axle can be provided with a second coil as part of the firstreceiver. It will be appreciated that part of the first transmitter canbe attached to the frame and/or the thru-axle. The first and secondcoils can be sealed against debris and/or water. The first and secondcoils are positioned such that when the thru-axle is inserted in thewheel axle in the position for securing the wheel in the frame, thefirst and second coils are axially positioned relative to each othersuch that a coupling can be achieved at high efficiency, e.g. at maximumefficiency. It will be appreciated that the coils will be coupledinductively. However, since the inductively coupled coils are able totransmit electric power and/or electric signals from one coil to theother, the coupling between the coils is herein also referred to aselectric coupling.

Optionally, the first transmitter is connected to the thru-axle.

Optionally, the first transmitter is wiredly or wirelessly connected tothe control element.

For increasing efficiency of transfer of power and/or signal between thecoils a ferrite layer can be placed adjacent a radially inner side ofthe first coil, a radially outer side of the second coil and/or theaxial sides of the coils.

For increasing efficiency of the transfer of power and/or signal betweenthe coils a middle frequency resonance of the signal on the order of 100kHz can be used over the coils.

According to an aspect, the system is arranged for transferring bothpower and signal between the coils, in one direction or in bothdirections.

According to an aspect a first energy storage element, such as abattery, is included in or attached to the thru-axle. A second energystorage element, such as a battery, can be included in or attached tothe wheel axle. The first energy storage element can be arranged forproviding the first coil with energy. The second energy storage elementcan be arranged for providing the second coil with energy.

Optionally, the first energy storage element has a storage capacity thatis at least ten (10) times the storage capacity of the second energystorage element.

Optionally the system is arranged for charging the second energy storageelement using energy stored in the first energy storage element. Hence,the second energy storage element can be maintained in a state ofsufficient charge. Thereto energy can be transferred from the firstenergy storage element to the second energy storage element via thefirst and second coils.

The system can be arranged for providing energy to an actuator and/orsensor included in or attached to the wheel axle from the second energystorage element. The system can be arranged for providing energy to anactuator and/or sensor included in or attached to the wheel axle fromthe first energy storage element. This can also be done via theelectrical contacts.

The system can be arranged for transferring a signal determining anactuation direction and/or amount for the actuator included in orattached to the wheel axle via the first and second coils, or via theelectrical contacts. The system can be arranged for transferring asignal from the control element (e.g. on the handlebars) to thethru-axle. Signal transfer from the control element (e.g. on thehandlebars) to the thru-axle can be wireless. A second wireless receiveror transceiver can be included in or attached to the thru-axle. Thesecond transceiver or receiver is herein further referred to as secondreceiver, nevertheless still covering the possibility of it being atransceiver. The second wireless receiver can be mounted to thethru-axle so as to extend outside the wheel axle and outside the frameto reduce disturbance of wireless communication by metal parts of thewheel axle and/or frame. The system can be arranged for providing thesecond receiver with electric power from the first energy storageelement.

It will be appreciated that when exchanging the wheel (and thus thewheel axle), the thru-axle can remain with the frame so that a pairingbetween the control element and the second receiver in/on the thru-axlecan be maintained. Therefore, when exchanging the wheel no time is loston pairing the control element with the replacement wheel.

The pairing of the control element, e.g. of a wireless transmitter ofthe control element, with the second receiver in/on the thru-axle can beperformed, e.g. once when matching the thru-axle with the frame.

It will be appreciated that it suffices to recharge the first energystorage element, e.g. by external charging, e.g. using an electriccharging apparatus. The second energy storage element can be chargedfrom the first energy storage element. Since the first energy storageelement is included in or attached to the thru-axle, it can easily becharged e.g. via a connector on the thru-axle. Charging can be performedwhile leaving the thru-axle in the bicycle or with the thru-axle removedfrom the bicycle. Optionally, the first coil can be used for chargingthe first energy storage element, e.g. via an external charger. e.g.including a third coil.

The system can be arranged such that the first energy storage elementautomatically charges the second energy storage element so that thesecond energy storage element can always provide the actuator withelectric power. In this way also the user never needs to charge orreplace the second energy storage element. This provides a big advantageas the second energy storage element can be difficult to reach since itis mounted in or attached to the wheel axle, and because parts in theneighborhood of the second energy storage element can rotate (e.g. wheelhub and/or driver).

According to an aspect an electric generator is included in or attachedto the wheel axle for charging the second energy storage element. Thegenerator can be driven by rotation of the hub and/or driver.Alternatively, or additionally, the generator can be arranged forgenerating electric energy on the basis of vibrational energy.

Optionally the first energy storage element includes one or more, suchas two, AAAA (LR61) batteries that can be rechargeable and/orreplaceable.

According to an aspect a control unit can be included in or on thethru-axle. The control unit can be arranged for receiving controlsignals from the control element. The control unit can be arranged forconverting input signals received from the control element into signalsto be transmitted to the first receiver. The control unit can bearranged for indicating a current direction and/or current level to betransmitted by the first transmitter to the first receiver.

According to an aspect an actuator control unit is included in orattached to the wheel axle for controlling the actuator of the wheelaxle. The actuator control unit can be arranged for controlling anelectric current direction and/or an electric current amount and/or anelectric current duration to the actuator. The actuator control unit canalso be arranged for controlling a current, e.g. limiting a current tothe actuator.

Optionally the actuator control unit is mounted on and/or in thethru-axle.

Optionally the actuator control unit is connected via first electricalcontacts on the thru-axle to second electrical contacts on the wheelaxle.

Optionally there is no second energy storage on the wheel axle.

Optionally, the one or more of the actuator, the actuator control unit,the second coil and the second energy storage element are mounted to abracket 38 that has a hole 40 therein, the bracket forming part of orbeing connected to the wheel axle, e.g., via hole 42 in the axle. Hence,the electronics can easily be mounted to the wheel axle.

Optionally, the first receiver is powered with electric power receivedfrom the first transmitter. Even then, the second energy storage elementcan be present for providing electric power to the electric component,such as the actuator for gear shifting.

Optionally, the first transmitter is mounted to a dropout of the frame.Alternatively, if a rear derailleur is available, the first transmittercan be mounted to the rear derailleur.

The control element can be an electronic switch actuatable with a rotarybutton or push button. Optionally, the electronic switch is arranged tobe actuated via a cable extending from a mechanical switch (shifter),e.g. mounted on the handlebars. Hence, standard mechanical switches(shifters) can be used for actuating the electric component on/in thewheel axle.

Optionally, a connection between the control element, e.g. theelectronic switch, and the first transmitter is a wired or wirelessconnection. The power supply element for power supply of the firsttransmitter can be mounted adjacent to the first transmitter, adjacentto the switch or somewhere in between. e.g. inside the frame of thebicycle.

By using a short range wireless system for the first transmitter andfirst receiver, no pairing of the first transmitter and first receiveris required. Any wheel, with a first receiver, that is placed in theframe can immediately be controlled by the first transmitter and firstreceiver, without a pairing procedure. This can be of great advantagefor a fast wheel exchange. Similarly, providing the electrical contactsbetween the thru-axle and the wheel axle provides that no pairingprocedure is required.

In case an electrically switching rear derailleur is used, the firsttransmitter of the short range wireless system can be placed close to anelectric component, such as an actuator, of the rear derailleur. In casethe rear derailleur is also actuated wirelessly, a third receiver of therear derailleur can be placed in one housing together with the firsttransmitter of the short range wireless system and/or with the actuatorcontrol unit. A battery used for the rear derailleur can then supplypower to the third receiver of the rear derailleur, the actuator of therear derailleur and the first transmitter of the short range wirelesssystem and/or the actuator controller, and even to the electriccomponent. Hence, fewer batteries are required.

According to an aspect the electric component has only two modes betweenwhich can be switched. The electric actuator can e.g. have only twopositions between which can be switched. Optionally, the component isarranged such that the switching direction is determined by an electriccurrent direction (or voltage polarity) to the component. Hence it canbe possible to switch from one mode to the other by reversing thecurrent direction (or voltage polarity). Hence, a separate controlsignal may not be required for determining the switching direction.

According to an aspect is provided a bicycle including a frame with afork, such as a front form and/or a rear fork, the fork having dropoutsbetween which a wheel axle of a driven wheel is mounted. The wheel axleincludes a switchable transmission between a driver and a wheel hub ofthe wheel. The transmission includes a switching mechanism with anelectric component, such as an actuator, arranged to be actuated by acontrol element that is wiredly or wirelessly connected to the electriccomponent. The electric component can be switched to be in one of twomodes and the control element is arranged for reversing a supply currentdirection to the electric component for switching.

It will be appreciated that any one or more of the above aspects,features and options can be combined. It will be appreciated that anyone of the options described in view of one of the aspects can beapplied equally to any of the other aspects. It will also be clear thatall aspects, features and options described in view of the wheel axleapply equally to the bicycle, and vice versa, including use ofelectrical contacts instead of the coils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of exemplaryembodiments which are represented in a drawing. The exemplaryembodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustration. It is notedthat the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments ofthe invention that are given by way of non-limiting example.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cross sectional view takenthrough a thru-axle of a wheel axle assembly of a bicycle;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C each show a schematic representation of a crosssectional view taken through a thru-axle of a wheel axle assembly of abicycle;

FIG. 2D shows another schematic representation of a cross sectional viewtaken through a thru-axle of a wheel axle assembly of a bicycle;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a system;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a cross sectional view takenthrough a thru-axle of a wheel axle assembly;

FIGS. 5A and 5B each show a schematic representation of a system;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a system;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a thru-axle in alongitudinal direction of the thru-axle;

FIG. 8 shows a detail of the view of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a thru-axle in a longitudinaldirection;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a cross sectional view of awheel axle assembly taken through a thru-axle;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a system; and

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D each show an example of a switch unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. InFIG. 1 the wheel axle assembly 1 is mounted in a frame 2 of a bicycle301. Here, the wheel axle assembly 1 is mounted between two dropouts 4of the frame 2. The wheel axle assembly includes a thru-axle 6 forsecuring the wheel axle assembly 1 to the frame 2. The thru-axle 6 hereis inserted through the hollow axle 7. The wheel axle assembly includesa hub 8. The wheel axle assembly includes a driver 10 for driving thehub in rotation. Here the driver 10 includes a cassette 12 including aplurality of sprocket gears.

In this example, the driver 10 is connected to the hub 8 via atransmission 14. The transmission is arranged to selectively be in afirst mode and in a second mode. In the first mode a transmission ratioof the transmission 14 is different from a transmission ratio in thesecond mode. Here, in the first mode the transmission ratio is unity(output rotation speed at the hub equals input rotation speed at thedriver). Here, in the second mode the transmission ratio is a speedreduction (output rotation speed at the hub is smaller than the inputrotation speed at the driver). Hence, the transmission can e.g. mimicthe functioning of a front derailleur.

In FIG. 1 the wheel axle assembly includes an electric component 16.Here, the electric component 16 is an electric actuator arranged foractuating the transmission to switch from the first mode to the secondmode and vice versa. The actuator can e.g. include a processor 16A and amotor 16B. It will be appreciated that the electric component can alsoe.g. be a sensor, such as a speed sensor.

For operating the actuator 16 a first receiver 18 is placed in the wheelaxle assembly 1. Here, the receiver 18 is placed within the cassette 10,e.g. near the actuator 16. A first transmitter 20 is placed on the frame2. Here the transmitter 20 is placed at the dropout 4. If the wheelincluding the wheel axle assembly 1 is exchanged the transmitter 20 willremain attached to the frame. Optionally, pairing of the replacementreceiver 18′ of the replacement wheel with the transmitter 20 can beachieved by use of the thru-axle 6. The thru-axle 6 can include a tag 22that can be read out when placing the thru-axle back in the frame 2. Thetag causes the replacement receiver to be coupled to the transmitter 20on the frame 2.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. Inthis example, the first transmitter 20 is placed in the thru-axle 6.Here, the receiver 18 is placed within the cassette 10, e.g. near theactuator 16, i.e. on the wheel axle. If the wheel axle assembly, orwheel, is exchanged the transmitter 20 remains with the frame 2 sincethe thru-axle 6 can remain with the frame when exchanging the wheel.Therefore, a pairing between the transmitter 20 and the receiver 18 onlyneeds to be performed once. There is no need for pairing when exchangingthe wheel. It is noted that FIG. 2A shows the thru-axle 6 attached tothe frame, whereas FIG. 2C shows the thru-axle 6 detached from theframe.

In FIG. 2A, the first transmitter 20 is communicatively coupled, herewiredly, with a second receiver 24. The second receiver 24 is in thisexample arranged for wirelessly receiving a control signal from a secondtransmitter 26. The second transmitter 26 can be associated with amanual input module 27, such as a shifter, for shifting gears. Theshifter 27 can e.g. be mounted on handlebars of the bicycle. The secondtransmitter can be mounted on the handlebars. Referring to FIG. 5A, acontroller 29 can include a processor 25 for processing manual inputfrom the module 27. The controller can include indicator means 23 forindicating a status to the user. Hence a user (rider) can triggertransmission of the control signal by actuating the shifter.Alternatively, or additionally, the control signal transmitted by thesecond transmitter 26 can be automatically generated by a processor,e.g. the processor 25 of the controller 29.

The first transmitter 20 and the second receiver 24 are powered by abattery 28. In this example, the battery 28 is attached to the handle GAof the thru-axle 6. It is also possible that the battery 28 is includedin the thru-axle 6. e.g. within the hollow axle 7. It is also possiblethat the thru-axle is wiredly connected to the controller 29 on theframe. Then the second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24 can beomitted. Also, the battery 28 can be omitted in case the firsttransmitter 20 then is powered, e.g. wiredly, from the controller 29(e.g. from a battery 31 of the controller).

The first receiver 18 is here positioned near the electric component 16.As transfer of signals and/or power is effected over a short distance ashort range wireless connection is used, and pairing between the firsttransmitter 20 and the first receiver 18 is not required. The signalsand/or power can be transferred capacitively and/or inductively. Asecond battery 30, e.g. an ultracapacitor, can be connected to theelectric component 16. This battery 30 can provide power, e.g. current,to the electric component 16 for actuation. The second battery 30 can becharged by the first transmitter 20, e.g. using power from the firstbattery 28. Optionally, the second battery 30 can be used for providingpower to the first receiver 18. It is also possible that the firstreceiver 18 is powered, e.g. directly, by the first transmitter 20. Itis also possible that the electric component, e.g. the actuator, ispowered, e.g. directly, by the first transmitter 20. The second battery30 can be selected to last the entire life span of the wheel axleassembly 1. Hence, replacement of the second battery 30 can be avoided.The first battery 28 can charge, via the first transmitter 20 and thefirst receiver 28, the second battery 30. Hence, the user only needs totake care that the first battery 28 is sufficiently charged. The firstbattery 28 can be exchangeably mounted to the thru-axle 6 so that it caneasily be charged and/or exchanged.

FIG. 2B shows a schematic cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. Inthis example, first electric contacts 40 are placed in the thru-axle 6.Here, second electric contacts 42 are placed within the cassette 10,e.g. near the actuator 16, i.e. on the wheel axle. If the wheel axleassembly, or wheel, is exchanged the first electric contacts 40 remainclose to the frame 2 since the thru-axle 6 can remain close to the framewhen exchanging the wheel. In view of the wired connection between theswitch and the thru-axle (and the wheel axle), there is no need forpairing when exchanging the wheel.

In FIG. 2B, the first electric contacts 40 are communicatively coupled,here wiredly, with a second receiver 24. The second receiver 24 is inthis example arranged for wirelessly receiving a control signal from asecond transmitter 26. The second transmitter 26 can be associated witha manual input module 27, such as a shifter, for shifting gears. Theshifter 27 can e.g. be mounted on or integrated in the handlebars of thebicycle. The second transmitter can be mounted on the handlebars.Referring to FIG. 5B, a controller 29 can include a processor 25 forprocessing manual input from the module 27. The controller can includeindicator means 23 for indicating a status to the user. Hence a user(rider) can trigger transmission of the control signal by actuating theshifter. Alternatively, or additionally, the control signal transmittedby the second transmitter 26 can be automatically generated by aprocessor, e.g. the processor 25 of the controller 29.

In another embodiment, as previously described, the first transmittercan be mounted to a rear derailleur 15, which is shown in FIG. 2D.

The second receiver 24 is powered by a battery 28. In this example, thebattery 28 is attached to the handle GA of the thru-axle 6. It is alsopossible that the battery 28 is included in the thru-axle 6. e.g. withinthe hollow axle 7. It is also possible that the thru-axle is wiredlyconnected to the controller 29 on the frame. There can also be aconnector in between the wired connection between the controller and thethru-axle to make it easier to disconnect the thru-axle. Then the secondtransmitter 26 and second receiver 24 can be omitted

The second electric contacts 42 are here positioned near the electriccomponent 16. The signals and/or power can be transferred wiredly fromthe thru-axle to the electric component 16. A second battery 30. e.g. anultracapacitor, can be connected to the electric component 16. Thesecond battery 30 can be selected to last the entire life span of thewheel axle assembly 1. Hence, replacement of the second battery 30 canbe avoided. This battery 30 can provide power, e.g. current, to theelectric component 16 for actuation. The second battery 30 can becharged via the first and second electric contacts, e.g. using powerfrom the first battery 28. It is also possible that the electriccomponent, e.g. the actuator, is powered. e.g. directly, via the firstand second electric contacts. e.g. from the first battery 28. The secondbattery can then be omitted. The first battery 28 can be exchangeablymounted to the thru-axle 6 so that it can easily be charged and/orexchanged.

Energy transfer between the first transmitter 20 and the first receiver18 can be in low or mid frequency range. The first transmitter 20 can bea low or mid frequency transmitter. The first receiver 18 can be a lowor mid frequency receiver. FIG. 3 shows an example of a mid frequency,MF, transmitter 20 and mid frequency, MF, receiver 18. In the example ofFIG. 3 the energy storage 30 can be a battery or supercapacitor.Coupling between the transmitter 20 and receiver 18 can be throughcoils. the energy transfer can be arranged to indicate an actuationdirection of the actuator. The receiver 18 can be arranged to wake uponce the first transmitter 20 starts energy transfer. For the wirelessenergy transfer a frequency in the range of 150-300 kHz can be used.This also provides advantages for the electronics used, such asswitching FETs, which only need to be suitable for these relatively lowfrequencies.

Energy transfer can make of two coupled coils. A first coil 32 can beassociated with the first receiver 18 and a second coil 34 can beassociated with the first transmitter 20. The coupled coils can be usedat the resonance frequency of the two coils. At such resonance frequencya good coupling between the coils can be achieved, even if the coils arenot at an optimum position relative to each other. Use can be made offlat coils and/or of concentric coils. The coils allow transfer ofsufficient energy for powering the actuator 16, and optionally thereceiver 18. The coils allow transfer of sufficient energy for directlypowering the actuator 16 without the need for large energy storage inthe exchangeable part of the wheel axle assembly. The coils allow forefficient transfer of signals.

An important aspect is mechanical positioning of the coils. The coilsare arranged to be aligned reproducibly, also when exchanging a wheel.The coils are arranged such that metal parts have a minimum impact onsignal and/or power transmission. In the example of FIG. 4 the secondcoil 34 is housed in a circumferential groove 36 in the thru-axle. Thecoil 34 can be protected from dirt and moisture. e.g. by a suitablepotting or covering. In this example, the first coil 32 is enclosedsurrounding the hollow axle 7. FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of anexample of the second coil 34 in the groove 36. In this example, thecoil 34 is covered with a cover 33. Here the cover 33 is made offerrite. In this example, the coils 34 is housed in a channel shapedinsert 35 in the circumferential groove 36. Here the insert 35 is madeof ferrite.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a cross section of a thru-axle 6. In thisexample, the first battery 28 includes two cells. The second coil 34 isplaced closer to the tip 6T of the thru-axle than in FIG. 4 . FIG. 10shows an example a cross section of a wheel axle assembly 1. In thisexample, the wheel axle assembly includes a thru-axle 6 as shown in FIG.9 . In this example, the first coil 32 is positioned with respect to thehub 8 such that the first coil 32 is concentric with the second coil 34when the thru-axle 6 is mounted to the frame 2 through the hollow axle7. In this example, a center of the first coil 32 substantiallycoincides with a center of the second coil 34.

FIGS. 5A and 5B each shows a schematic example of a system. The manualinput module 27, e.g. shifter, provides an input to the controller 29.The controller 29 generates a control signal to be provided to the firsttransmitter 20 (FIG. 5A) or first electric contacts 40 (FIG. 5B). InFIG. 5A the first transmitter 20 is wiredly connected to the controller29. Alternatively it is also possible that the first transmitter 20 iswirelessly connected to the controller 29. Then, the controller 29includes, or is connected to, the second transmitter 26 and that thesecond receiver 24 is connected to the first transmitter 20, see e.g.FIG. 2 . The second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24 can operate ona wireless transmission protocol, e.g., a long range wirelesstransmission protocol, such as ANT+, Bluetooth or the like. Thetransmission system of the second transmitter 26 and second receiver 24requires no pairing when exchanging a wheel, as the second transmitter26 and second receiver 24 remain with the frame 2. The second receivercan e.g. be mounted to the thru-axle 6. Similarly, in FIG. 5B the firstelectric contacts 42 are wiredly connected to the controller 29.Alternatively it is also possible that the first electric contacts 40are wirelessly connected to the controller 29.

It will be appreciated that the thru-axle can include a control unit.This control unit can be arranged for processing control signals fromthe controller 29. The control unit can be arranged for converting inputsignals received from the controller 29 into signals to be transmittedtowards the actuator, via the first transmitter/receivers 18, 20 or thefirst and second electric contacts 40, 42. The control unit can e.g. bearranged for indicating a current direction and/or current level to betransmitted towards the actuator. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, theprocessor 16A is included in or at the wheel axle. The processor 16A ishere arranged for controlling the motor 16B. The processor 16A unit canbe arranged for controlling the electric current direction and/or anelectric current amount and/or an electric current duration to themotor. The processor 16A can also be arranged for controlling a current,e.g. limiting a current to the motor.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the manual input module 27 can include a shifter44 or one or more shift buttons or shifters 45 to be manually operatedby a user, such as a rider. The controller 29 can include an electronicand/or magnetic switch 46. The electronic and/or magnetic switch can bearranged to be manually operated by the rider. The electronic and/ormagnetic switch 46 can be indirectly operated by the rider, e.g. bybeing connected to the manual input mode, such as the shifter or shiftbuttons, e.g. a FRONT/LEFT shifter or shift button and the switch. Theelectronic and/or magnetic switch can also be automatically operatedbased on inputs from the bicycle such as wheel speed, torque, ratio,etc.

In an embodiment the electronic and/or magnetic switch 46 is connectedto the shifter 44 or one or more shift buttons 45 via a cable 48, suchas a Bowden cable. The switch can be positioned in a housing 50 on thehandle bars of the bicycle and the Bowden cable can be connected to aspring 52 in the housing which spring gives force feedback to theshifter 44 which is connected to the other side of the Bowden cable.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D show an example of a switch unit 54. Theshift unit 54 includes a switch 46 inside a housing 56. Here, thehousing includes attachment means 57, here eyelets for attaching to abrake cable. e.g. by looping a tie wrap through the eyelet.

In this example the switch 46 is arranged to be actuated by a cable 48,such as a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable 48 is connected to a spring 52in the housing 56. Thereto in this example a stopper 58 is attached tothe Bowden cable 48 near a free end. The Bowden cable 48 here extendsthrough the housing and is accessible at the free end thereof. Thespring 52 gives feedback to the shifter 44 (not shown in FIGS. 12A-12D)which is connected to the other side of the Bowden cable.

The stopper 58 here is part of a mechanism connected between the Bowdencable 48 and the spring 52 which transmits the force of the spring 52 tothe Bowden cable 48. The mechanism is arranged to convert a translationof the Bowden cable 48, here a pulling, into a translation, here acompression, of the spring 52. It will be appreciated that alternativemechanisms are possible, e.g. using a torsion spring, and arranged toconvert a translation of the Bowden cable into a rotation, such acompression, of the torsion spring. In this example, the mechanism isarranged to limit a translation of the Bowden cable. Thereto, in thisexample, the stopper 58 includes a bush 58A secured to the Bowden cable48, an adjustable nut 58C and a limiter 58C, such as a boss. The limiter58C in this example runs in a groove 60 of the housing 56. The movementof the limiter 58C is limited by the groove 60. By positioning the nut58B axially relative to the bush 58A, the position of the limiter 58Crelative to the Bowden 48 cable can be adjusted. Hence movement of theBowden cable, and limitation thereof, relative to the housing, and thusrelative to the switch, is adjustable, here from the outside of thehousing. Spring tension is adjustable via a tensioner 62.

In this example a sensor 63 is included in the housing 56 for sensing aposition of the stopper 58, e.g. inductively, capacitively, magneticallyand/or optically. Thus, the sensor 63 and the stopper 58 here form theswitch 46. Here the sensor 63 is arranged to discriminate two uniquepositions of the stopper 58. i.e. two switch position.

In this example, the housing 56 includes a battery 64. A battery statusindicator 66 is also provided. A button 68 allows to activate thebattery status indicator. This allows the battery status indicator to beswitched off most of the time to conserve energy. The housing 56 canfurther include a controller and/or transmitter as described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic example of a system. Here the controller 29includes the second transmitter 26, here a Bluetooth transmitter. Thecontroller is connected to the manual input module 27, here switches.Thus, in the module A the switch signal is converted to a Bluetoothsignal. The second transmitter 26 is arranged for communicating with thesecond receiver 24. The second receiver transfers control signals to thefirst transmitter 20. Thus, the module B receives a Bluetooth signal andtransmits a power MF signal. The first transmitter 20 transmits controlsignals and/or power to the first receiver 18. Thus, the module Creceives a power MF signal and provides current to the DC motor. It willbe appreciated that instead of the first transmitter 20 and the firstreceiver 18 the first and second electric contacts 40, 42 can be used.

In this example, when the “left” switch is pressed, the actuator motorshould turn clockwise until a mechanical end stop is reached, and whenthe “right” switch is pressed, the actuator motor should turn counterclockwise until a mechanical end stop is reached, or vice versa. Theactuator motor can e.g. be driven at a nominal 3V and 0.3 W.

For the module A, the power Storage A 31 can be a replaceable battery(not necessarily chargeable), for example maximum 1 button cell CR2032(240 mAh, 3V). Preferably the battery life-time allows for at least10.000 switch actions in 1 year, which could equate to approximately 500hrs of biking, at 20 switch actions per hour. The BT Transmitter 26preferably uses Blue Tooth Low Energy protocol. The distance to thereceiver 24 is less than 2 m in a normal bicycle. The BT transmitter 26here is arranged to start transmitting a signal at switch input. Pairingof the BT transmitter 26 to the receiver 24 is possible (at closedistance). Preferably secure communication is used between thetransmitter 26 and the receiver 24. The controller 29 can be providedwith a battery charge indication. The battery charge indication can bearranged to be observable on request. The standby power drain should below, therefore, the controller 29 can be arranged to enter a sleep-modewhen the bicycle is not moving. A movement sensor may thereto beincluded. Go to sleep time when no movement or switch activation isdetected can be 5 minutes or more. The go to sleep time can be userselectable. Wake-up time from sleep by movement of the controller ispreferably 1 s or less. Preferably, wake-up time by activation of one ormore of the switches is 200 ms or less.

For the module B, the power storage B 28 can be a chargeable battery(not necessarily replaceable). The battery 28 can e.g. include twoAAAA/LR61 Ni-MH cells. FIG. 7 shows an example of two battery cells 28included in the thru-axle 6. The BT Receiver 24 preferably uses BlueTooth Low Energy protocol. Battery charge indication is possible, e.g.on request. The charge indication of the battery 28 may be provided tothe user via the controller 29. The module B can be arranged to enter asleep-mode when the bicycle is not moving. A movement sensor may theretobe included. The MF power transmitter 20 can be arranged to starttransmitting MF (100 kHz) power signal on actuation request of one ormore of the switches. The MF transmitter 20 is also arranged to providecharge power to Power Storage C 30 to maintain State-of-Charge ofstorage 30. The module B can e.g. be housed in a sealed box, preferablywater resistant IP67. Charging through a USB or mini-USB cable can beprovided.

For the module C, the power Storage C 30 can be a non-replaceablebattery, such as a capacitor. e.g. mounted on a PCB. The module C caninclude the coil 32, here an NFC coil, and the PCB. The PCB can includethe electronics for the receiver 18 and motor control 16A. Motor controlincludes sending current to the DC motor 16B in the requested rotationdirection. A mechanical end stop detection can be provided by currentfeedback. A current limit and maximum actuation duration can beadjustable. The MF power receiver 18 is arranged to receive a MF (100kHz) power signal and send power to the power storage C 30 and motorcontrol 16A. In an example the PCB can have a full or partial, such ashalf, circle shape, mounted within a enclosure. The enclosure cancontain grease and/or oil. It will be appreciated that when the firstand second electric contacts 40, 42 are used instead of the MFtransmitter 20 and MF receiver 18, the power storage C 30 may beomitted.

Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examplesof embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident thatvarious modifications, variations, alternatives and changes may be madetherein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For thepurpose of clarity and a concise description features are describedherein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternativeembodiments having combinations of all or some of the features describedin these separate embodiments are also envisaged and understood to fallwithin the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. Thespecifications, figures and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded inan illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The inventionis intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variationswhich fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further,many of the elements that are described are functional entities that maybe implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunctionwith other components, in any suitable combination and location.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall notbe construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does notexclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in aclaim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed aslimited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, anddo not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures arerecited in mutually different claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A bicycle including: a frame with a fork,the fork having dropouts; a wheel axle detachably mounted between thedropouts; a thru-axle arranged for positioning and/or holding the wheelaxle between the dropouts; a control element; and a first transmitterplaced in a position selected from the group consisting of: (i) at oneof the dropouts, (ii) at or in a rear derailleur, or (iii) in or on thethru-axle, the control element being wiredly or wirelessly incommunication with the first transmitter for transmitting a signal fromthe control element to the first transmitter; wherein the wheel axleincludes a first receiver, the first transmitter being wirelessly incommunication with the first receiver for transmitting a signal and/orelectric power from the first transmitter to the first receiver; whereinthe wheel axle includes an electric component connected to the firstreceiver for receiving a signal and/or electric power from the firstreceiver.
 2. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the firsttransmitter a first coil mounted on the thru-axle and the first receiverincludes a second coil mounted on the wheel-axle or components thereof.3. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the control elementincludes an electronic and/or magnetic switch.
 4. The bicycle accordingto claim 3, wherein the electronic switch includes one or moreinductive, capacitive, magnetic or optical sensors for determining aswitch position.
 5. The bicycle according to claim 3, wherein theelectronic and/or magnetic switch which is arranged to be manuallyoperated by a rider, via one or more devices selected from the groupconsisting of: one or more shift buttons or shifters, a cable betweenone or more shift buttons or shifters and the electronic and/or magneticswitch, and a cable between a FRONT/LEFT shifter or shift button and theelectronic and/or magnetic switch.
 6. The bicycle according to claim 5,wherein the electronic and/or magnetic switch is positioned in a housingand provided at a position selected from the group consisting of: on orin frame of the bicycle, and attached to the rear derailleur.
 7. Thebicycle according to claim 6, wherein the electronic and/or magneticswitch is arranged to be actuated by a Bowden cable and the Bowden cableis connected to a spring in the housing which spring gives feedback tothe one or more shifters which is connected to the other side of theBowden cable.
 8. The bicycle according to claim 7, wherein a mechanismis connected between the Bowden cable and the spring which transmitsand/or amplifies the force of the spring, and wherein the mechanismconverts a translation of the Bowden cable into a translationaltensioning of the spring or into a rotational tensioning of the spring.9. The bicycle according to claim 6, wherein the housing includes anindicator, in or on the housing, for indicating a battery status, and anindicator control for activating the indicator.
 10. The bicycleaccording to claim 1, wherein the first transmitter and the firstreceiver require no pairing between the first transmitter and the firstreceiver.
 11. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the wheel axleincludes a switchable transmission between a driver and a wheel hub,wherein the transmission includes a switching mechanism including theelectric component, and wherein the electric component is configured tobe switched in one of two modes.
 12. The bicycle according to claim 1,wherein the first transmitter is arranged for charging a second energystorage element or capacitor at the wheel axle from a first energystorage element at the thru-axle or at the frame, or from a chargingdevice coupled to the thru-axle or to the frame.
 13. The bicycleaccording to claim 12, wherein the first transmitter is powered from thefirst energy storage element.
 14. The bicycle according to claim 12,including a second transmitter connected to the control element, and asecond receiver connected to the first transmitter, wherein a wirelessconnection is provided between the second transmitter and the secondreceiver, wherein the second receiver is powered from the first energystorage element.
 15. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the firsttransmitter includes a first coil and the first receiver includes asecond coil, wherein the first coil and the second coil are coupled, andwherein the first transmitter operates at a resonance frequency of thetwo coupled coils.
 16. The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol element is wirelessly in communication with the firsttransmitter via a second transmitter included as part of the controlelement, and a second receiver connected to the first transmitter. 17.The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the electric component is asensor.
 18. A wheel axle assembly, including a wheel axle, a thru-axlearranged for positioning and/or holding the wheel axle between dropoutsof a bicycle frame, and a first transmitter placed in a position in oron the thru-axle, wherein the wheel axle includes a first receiverconfigured to wirelessly receive a signal from the first transmitter,wherein the wheel axle includes an electric component connected to thefirst receiver.
 19. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 18,wherein the thru-axle includes a second receiver for wirelesslyreceiving an electronic switch signal.
 20. The wheel axle assemblyaccording to claim 19, wherein the thru-axle includes an energy storageelement, and wherein the second receiver is powered from the energystorage element.
 21. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 18,wherein the thru-axle includes a controller arranged for controlling theelectronic component on the wheel axle.
 22. The wheel axle assemblyaccording to claim 18, wherein the wheel axle is free from energystorage.
 23. The wheel axle assembly according to claim 18, wherein theelectric component is a sensor.